Sundays, June 8th

Sundays are probably the most challenging day of the week to be honest. I can count on one hand the times that Roger and I have gone to church without each other. So sitting in church surrounded by little people, is a reminder in a big way of what I'm missing...my better half. :) I also tend to be more emotional on Sunday, as the Word of God speaks to me, the music touches my heart, and God draws me closer to himself.

It also seems to be a harder day for the kids too. Travis told me he was staying in the car during church, and Wyatt asked why we go to church "all the time". Honestly, going to church for every service is nothing new, so I can only assume that this day is perhaps a little harder on them too. However, yes, we did go to church, came home for rest time (which we all took a nap), and then went to a friends birthday party for a little bit. 

Sunday night church poses it's own problems because the only one in the nursery is Emma. But, the boys did do fairly well. My friend, Star,  greatly encouraged my heart with a gift bag full of treats for me along with an encouraging note. I did have one very emotional moment, but thankfully, the kids were not around when the tears were free falling. :) 

Now I'm off to get some much needed rest. I've really been working on getting up at 5:15 to be able to get in a few miles before the kids wake up. The only problem is that it does make me really tired later in the day. :)

My treats from a friend today!

Our bed...with two extra little boys!

Starting week number two! Saturday, June 7

We enjoyed a "down" day as a family. We spent time together, skping with Roger, a walk as a family, and a nap for all of us. Of course, later tonight I realized that I forgot to take the trash to the dump, and that the pool filter needs to be clean because the pool is getting greenish...great! Obviously, I'm still not aware of all the things I need to do while Roger is away. I was also informed by one of my children, that  dad plays baseball better, and that dad is better at ALL the sports than mom. "Why, thank you, son...I already knew that!"

Tonight we went to a friends house for supper. It was a pleasant way to end the day after being surrounded by little people all day, and I really enjoyed some adult conversation! Chandler and Wyatt spent the night at their friends house, which they were ecstatic upon hearing the invitation! It's the first time they've ever slept over at someone's house who isn't family. So, we'll see how that goes.

All in all, it was a good day. Sometimes I miss Roger so much it feels like a physical ache deep inside, but in a few short years,this will be a memory for us.

Love my little boy!

Day one...a change in plans!

The change in plans is on my part, not my husbands. I realized today that I am going to have to modify some of my goals for this summer.

One, running a half marathon is not going to be possible!! Roger watches the kids so I can run/get out by myself, so it just won't happen this summer. It's a goal that can be accomplished later on in life. However, I do need to figure out how I'm going to find time to exercise regularly...I'm one of those weird people that gets really grouchy when they don't exercise! :) So, I think I will start by setting my alarm a little earlier.

Two, I'm thankful that Roger has taken care of the trash in the four years we've lived here. Wow, what a job...bagging up trash, hauling it to the dump...not my idea of fun, but we did it! :) 

We stayed busy today with going to a few yard sales, cleaning up the yard, a friend came over with some clothes for Emma, and we went to a friends open house get-together. Chandler has been asking and praying for a new bike, and today he found one!! I'm so thankful that God hears the prayers of my children! We found a bike today for $5.00 at a yard sale!! Yay! It's pink, but nothing that a can of spray paint can't fix. :)

Friday Fun!

My dad brought over his lawn mower and took ours home with him, so hopefully, it will be an easy fix. My sister mowed the lawn for us, so that relieved one thing on the to-do list. I'm so thankful for all the friends that have offered to help out, to pray for us, and to encourage us...we are blessed. One more thing I'm thankful for...Skype!! I'm thankful that the boys can see daddy and talk to him about their day as it makes bedtime a little easier on them.

Thanks for the prayers, 

Sarah

This is what going to the store for milk looks
like these days!

SUNDAY:

We survived day two!! All children were fed, beds made, teeth brushed, socks on ( I didn't  say that they matched!), and we made it to church on time. It was Sunday School promotion Sunday, so the kids were excited about that. We now have three boys in our children's church class, and Travis told me he was very sad about being by himself. It's hard to believe that Wyatt is in the kindergarten class, Chandler in first grade, and Garett in second grade...wow!

Somehow, I managed to get an infection in my finger, so I ended up going to the walk in clinic this afternoon. The doctor gave me a shot to numb it, and then proceeded to clean it out...and I fainted. I could feel it happening, and that is such a weird feeling. Thankfully, my sister had watched the kids at our house, so no one was along on the fainting excursion! My finger is feeling much better now, so that's a blessing!

The kids were able to skpe with Roger tonight, and they really enjoy that...Emma hasn't been crazy about it, but she's getting better at not touching and disconnecting the call! It's the little things I think, that are the hardest...running into the store for milk is a lot harder with five small children; and getting lunch on the table and putting kids down for naps is a lot more challenging without daddy here to help everyone get a drink, go potty, and put them in bed while Mom feeds the screaming baby. But the kids have all eaten something today, they brushed their teeth, I told them I love them, and the lights are out for the night. Now, I'm off to shut off my lights and head to bed.

MONDAY:

Another day done...yay! God is so good to us! We did house work, painting ( mostly, my sister and Chandler did that), kids played in the rain puddles, lots of laundry, helped with a church activity, and lots of other things. Wyatt asked me this morning when daddy would be back...ummm... :)

I'm thankful that my mom kept the kids while I helped with a dinner for some volunteers that are working on a building project at our church. It was nice to get away from them for a bit, and my patience does start to waver ( a lot!!) at times.

My finger is still very sore, and I'm supposed to be taking an antibiotic for it; however, I just haven't made it to the pharmacy. I'm thankful for friends who are willing to go out of their way to help me. Kelli graciously offered to get my prescription filled at Wal mart, and then she even brought it to my house! However, that might be because she's a nurse and it was killing her that I wasn't taking my medicine. :) But, now I've started taking it.

Tonight during family devotions, we were talking about David. I told the kids that God only wants us
to have one wife, and David was wrong to like Bathsheba. Chandler says "oh, that's why you have
one ring on your finger?" I said that it showed I was married. Chandler then replied, " so the ladies that have lots of rings on their fingers, do they have lots of husbands?!" Wow!! Umm...no! :)

The day was not boring, I am missing my running miles; but, I am so blessed.

Boys will be boys!

TUESDAY: 

Day three...glad for family, sisters, grace, and a beautiful day! I told The Lord that I wasn't going to set my alarm, but if I woke up before 5:30, I would go for a run. I've really been missing my running time, but figured that if I went at 5:30, I could run up and down the driveway for a few miles at least. Well, Travis came in my room at 5:22 to ask for some water. :) He went right back to sleep, but I decided to try to get in two miles. And...I did! :) I also was able to catch up on my Bible reading and be back in the house with coffee in hand before anyone stirred!!

I made a meal for the work team at our church, and brought it all into town about 4:30. I had a a great visit while working with another friend, Amy, and setting up for the supper meal. My sister took the boys to the Oshkosh library and signed them up for the summer reading program...yay! They had a great time, and I'm so thankful for my family. 

The day has had its challenges...the younger two boys seem to be more clinging to me and everyone wants to sleep with mom at night! Travis has wanted me around all day, and was only convinced to go with the boys to the library by the promise of going to the park afterwards. Emma has had a rough day today. I couldn't figure out why she's been so fussy today, until I realized that my milk supply has drastically dried up!! She eats a variety of table food, so I don't worry so much about nursing. However, at bedtime...it's a different story. She finally took a sippy cup with some watered down juice, and I've been drinking water like crazy!! I'm not sure if it's my body responding to the antibiotic for my finger, or just not drinking enough water. Either way, we'll find out, and hopefully, she'll sleep through the night!!

I've been blessed beyond words with friends that have offered to watch the boys, fix our lawn mower, and show that they care for us.

WEDNESDAY:

It feels like we should be on day 44, not four, but here we are just getting started. I can tell I'm near the very tired stet, as I tend to be more emotional. Once we adjust to survival state, we'll be fine, but for now I am a tad emotional. The day was busy for me,as I got up at 5:15 to run a few miles. Then home for Bible reading, breakfast, directing children with chores, laundry, cleaning, and today was trash day again. I took what we had to the dump simply because it's not as overwhelming to do it in small amounts.

I think Chandler is struggling a bit too,as he was very emotional today as well, and that's not

My new haircut!

Ike him. He wants me to teach him how to play the piano, so I gave him a short lesson and a few pointers. Later I found him in bed crying because he couldn't play the piano like mom can!!! Ummm....good things take time!

My sister came over and painted some more so the kitchen and trim is almost completely done...yay! The boys did their reading for the summer program, and everyone laid down for a little quiet time...including mom.

Wednesdays are probably going to be my most challenging day. I often have errands to run, and church starts a little later, so we get home later. Then it's helping everyone get ready for bed, brush teeth, put pull ups on those that might wet the bed, get sips of water, and nurse the baby (who is usually screaming by then!). However, it does make me appreciate the quietness of the house in a whole new way! Of course, with Roger not here, I hear all kinds of noises.

I'm looking forward to Friday. A friend invited us to her house for breakfast, which will be a lot of fun. And another sweet friend, along with her hubby, are coming over to mow grass, bring their go- cart, supper, and their kids, so I can have a little time to myself! I am blessed!!!

THURSDAY:
Forward... Almost through our first week, and I'm finding myself rather emotional; however, we are settling into survival mode. The younger two boys have been extremely clingy and whiny, and I have to constantly remind myself to be patient with them.

I'm finding my biggest battle to be the challenge of being a consistent parent...what I say I must follow through with doing. I'm also discovering that because I have more responsibilities, I automatically think that the boys should be more responsible. However, that not something that they are naturally picking up on. :) And they have been very helpful for the most part, I just have to remember to give them jobs that they can do. I've noticed that I've been harder on our oldest son lately, as in giving him a lot more chores; but I reminded myself today that he is only seven and trying to adjust too. So, I give him grace. Grace because that's what God daily gives to me, Grace because it's a reflection of what Christ did on the cross, grace because it strengthens and encourages my relationship with them... and because it's the title of the parenting book I'm reading. :)

I was able to spend time with my sister today, as she is leaving tomorrow for North Carolina to visit my other sister. We had a great time just visiting together and hanging out with Emma. My parents kept the boys for a bit and the boys "helped" plant the garden, water the plants, rode  bikes, and played for hours outside. Needless to say, it was baths for everyone tonight.

Today I'm thankful for a beautiful day, time spent with my sister, and the adventures we are looking forward to having tomorrow. We are going to have brunch at a friends house, and then some good friends of ours are coming over to cut grass, watch children, and bring dinner...I am blessed!

FRIDAY:  One week is D-O-N-E!!
A day full of fun, adventures, and exploring! We went to Autumn's house for brunch today, and the boys were thrilled to see that they have a pond in their backyard! And, they also have a paddle boat! The boys could have stayed all day playing with the boat and the water, but we came home for rest time at mom's insistence. :) Later in the afternoon, our friends, Jenn and Arien, came over for a bit. What a blessing! They brought their lawnmower, the go-cart, dinner, and offered to watch all the kids while I went out by myself for a bit...yay!! I got my hair cut, I used my free Starbucks birthday drink, and I wandered around Target...all by myself! I had so much fun, and I came back refreshed and recharged. My amazing friend also picked up my house, folded clothes, and made my house look fresh again...I can't say thank you enough!

All in all, it's been a good week. We've stayed busy, been able to Skype with Roger, and have survived week one! On to the next week...

Roger's update:
He was able to spend a few days with his brother in Georgia. He spent a few days relaxing with their family, and will arrive in Florida today. He's looking to get settled into his room today, church tomorrow and classes bright and early on Monday!

Answered prayer = long summer ahead!

Our Piper Pacer

As so many of you prayed, God heard your prayers along with ours. Roger sold the Piper Pacer airplane today, which means that a new chapter in our life-long journey has started! While I'm ecstatic that God answered our prayers, that didn't prevent my eyes from filling up with tears when it was time for Roger to head to Florida. Our second son, Chandler, has struggled with his daddy leaving ever since Roger talked to the boys about this summer. He's had a rough last couple of days, and could use some extra prayers. The boys are excited that Dad is going to flying school, but since their concept of time is limited, they have no idea what is ahead! :)

Several things that I'm thankful for: 1) God sold that airplane in His perfect timing. 2) Roger was able to find a car that seems to be dependable for all the traveling he'll be doing 3) That I'm blessed with five beautiful children and I won't need to worry about being bored while Roger is gone.

Today has been rough on all of us...it seemed like a much better idea for me to stay here in Wisconsin with the kids about three months ago! Now that it's here, I swamped with many doubts; however, I know the cost of living is high in Florida. I know that Roger would have a hard time studying in the evening with all our children. I know that I would face discouragement and hard struggles in Florida as well as Wisconsin, so it's best to stay here. Here I have extended family to help me, friends to encourage me, and  a church that loves our family.

On a different note, Roger has only been gone about 6 hours, and I've already managed to break the lawnmower! :) Hopefully, it's nothing big...it's just a funny noise and the engine keeps dying! :) And Wyatt finished 4K today! He's very excited to be done, and one of his brothers nearly had the poor kid in tears as they told him "Now you get to go to Kindergarten!".  He is not thrilled about more school, so hopefully, he'll be ready in three months! :)

Thank you all for your prayers,
Sarah

Travis

Rough day for little people

Daddy's little girl

Thankful for the memories

Wyatt's last day of school



Stepping Out in Faith?!

When push comes to shove, we are down to the wire with Roger leaving for flight training! He has a place to stay in Florida, been accepted into the school, paid his deposit, and starts school next week. The only thing we need...is the several other thousand dollars needed for the training. :) However, God is going to sell our airplane today so that Roger can go to school!! A man is coming from Idaho to look at the airplane today, so please be praying that it will sell. We firmly believe that God is shaping us, molding us, and preparing our hearts and lives to be dependent on Him. God has already provided a Honda Civic five-speed car for his travels to Wisconsin; God allowed us to receive a decent tax return, which will help cover expenses while Roger is away, and God has given us peace in pursuing this aviation training.

I've been learning a lot as we transition to this change for our family. One, I'm not very good at asking for help! Many people have offered to help out in the next few months as Roger is away, and I'm going to have to learn to say,"yes"!! :) Two, I've been amazed at how much I've had to learn! Roger cuts the grass, weed whacks, takes care of the trash,  maintains the boys swimming pool, the vehicles, and numerous other things!!! I'm not stupid, but I definitely have a lot to learn!!! Third, I will probably be the one having the issues when Roger leaves! Hopefully, I won't be too much of a basket case, but I know how long Roger will be gone, while the boys have little concept of time. Fourth, God gives grace for EVERY day!!!

Please pray for us.

Time?! Where does it go?!

Mud fight!

Honestly, it’s been soooo long since I wrote a post that I hardly know where to start! Chandler’s birthday party, Roger’s birthday, Wyatt’s birthday, Easter, Mother’s Day, the yard sale we had, our plans for the summer, the boys finishing school, the new things Emma can do, the mud fight we had…it’s hard to know where to start! J

Our older two, Garett and Chandler, finished school on May 2. We survived first grade and kindergarten due mostly to my mom’s ever enduring long suffering and patience when it came to helping out with schooling! It’s a relief and a blessing to have finished up the school year, although I’ve been having the boys read and practice math skills. J Wyatt still has about 12 days of 4K left, but he is anxiously looking forward to summer break as well!

My dad took the boys camping for an end of the year field trip, and the boys enjoyed fishing, four-wheeling, “mushmellows” (as Wyatt calls marshmallows) and a “bombfire” (bonfire J ). They came home happy and filthy, so it was a success. J

 

Our family!

We went to a wedding on Saturday, also my birthday, in Eau Claire, WI. After my cousin’s wedding, the older two boys headed to South Dakota for a few days with my sister. They are ecstatic and have shown no qualms about leaving their parents! J It will be nice to spend more one-on-one time with the younger three, although I will miss my two big boys…I’ll have to empty the trash, and fold the laundry next week! J I’m thankful that they have the opportunity to do something fun like this, but it’s a huge step for us as parents. Even though it’s my sister, the boys are still a reflection of our parenting, so it will be interesting to see how the week goes!

Our sweet Emma "Cake"

Mother’s Day was last Sunday, and Roger decided to take the family out to dinner. (Hindsight, we should have just gone home, since the boys were worn out from camping…but they did okay). Anyways, while we were at the restaurant, someone else told their mama, “Happy Mother’s Day”, to which Travis immediately replied, “It’s their Mother’s Day too?!”. J Thankful for the memories, and the dinner out, and the boys were delighted to take mom out for lunch…although, this mama would have been just as delighted with a nap! J  Also, on Mother's day, Chandler was baptized! Our sweet second son, asked Jesus to come into his heart on April 16, 2014. He's been talking about wanting to be baptized and even took the initiative to talk to our pastor himself. He was sure that this was the next step, and confident in getting baptized. I'm so thankful that it worked out for him to be baptized before Roger leaves for the summer!



Garett on Mother's Day

As the summer approaches, changes are coming for the Robertson family. Roger will be leaving on May 26^th, Lord willing for flight training in North Carolina and then Florida. This is a big step for us, and we have lots to do in the final days. Please pray specifically for two things: 1) we will get approved for a loan to do this training  2) that the Piper Pacer will sell so we won’t need as much of a loan

Roger will be gone for a loooong time, and single parenting is not my forte, so I’d appreciate prayers. At this time, it looks like Roger will be back sometime mid-September. While we’ve prayed, sought Godly counsel, and prayed some more, this is a HUGE step for us. I’ll be parenting five young children by myself for 15 weeks, and while I’m better at being consistent than Roger on some things, Roger is far better at others! He’s their playmate, part of their stability, a core of their confidants, and a listener to fears and dreams…and so much more! Pray that I can adequately meet the needs of my children this summer…without losing patience and sanity! J

 

 

My "mommy" inventions!

Life in my mom invented world!

I was thinking lately, that if my mom brain invented some things, life would be much easier. This week I was out with all my children, as usual, but realized that life could be so much easier. Here are a few of my “mommy” suggestions:

1)      All pacifiers should come with a GPS coordinate so that they can be relocated when lost. Also, it would be helpful if they let off an alarming beep when chucked out of the cart or under a seat in the truck, etc.

2)      In my mom invented world, one in every three McDonald's would have a play land! That way, I would always have an option of being fairly close to one…unless of course, we live in Manley, AL. J (I’m not a fan of McDonald's food per se, but how nice it would be to have a play date with a friend at one and sit and chat!)

3)      Of course, a requirement of having a McDonald’s play land should require the McDonald’s to have a bathroom adjacent to the play land! Does anyone have any idea how frustrating it is to take the baby (who exploded in her diaper) and all the children to the back of the restaurant to change the baby?! J It’s either that or leave the children unattended in the play land, which is frowned upon, not to mention, there are some really crazy people out there!

Our little girl!



 

4)      If I designed a vehicle in my mommy brain, it would be washable…inside and out! Why not have a vehicle that can be hosed down on the inside as well as the outside?!  Vinyl seats that wipe down easily, plastic interiors, etc. so that you can go through the car wash with the doors open and clean the inside, outside and hey, why not the kids too? J I don’t know about your vehicle, but ours is not always spotless on the inside…shhh…it’s a secret! If the vehicle could be hosed down on the inside, it could prevent my frustration of stepping in ½ a peanut butter sandwich, or trying to clean out the cup holder that someone used for a barf bag! YUCK!



5)      Another thing…why not have a drive-thru for milk, eggs, and stamps? I LOVE (said sarcastically) going to the post office, taking all my kids in for a book of stamps or to mail one envelope express, etc. Or going to the grocery store for milk, and hauling the baby, the two preschoolers, the kindergartner, and the first grader all in the store…awesome! NOT! J

6)      If I invented something else, it would be a clothes FOLDER! You know, we have a washing machine, and a dryer, but a clothes folder would make my day! J Imagine throwing in the clothes, and they come out folded! That would be so cool! J

Yes, I could use a clothes folder on laundry day!

Okay, well my list could be a lot longer, but I’m sure I’ve probably bored you by now. J Roger was gone this past weekend on a flying trip to South Carolina, so I was mom/dad for 24/7. Thankfully, Roger is home now, and I’m so thankful! J